Scholarship Exams
The Trinity scholarship examinations, which reward outstanding academic ability, are an old and treasured institution of the College.
Scholarship examinations are held each year at the beginning of Hilary term (January). Second year students must put themselves forward for the examinations. In addition to the distinction of being a Trinity Scholar, successful candidates are entitled to a number of privileges, including free rooms and free meals in college.
The exam consists of four exam papers each lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes. The papers are as follows:
This paper is based on the topics covered in the Central Problems in Philosophy modules taught in the previous JF year and the History of Philosophy IIA module taught in the first semester of the SF year. There are six sections in this paper and students must answer two questions.
This paper is based on a chosen philosopher and text of the student's choice.
This is a non-course-based exam. Students choose to focus on a text (or some few texts) of a philosopher and, in consultation with a member of staff devise a plan of study for the exam. The purpose of this exam is for students to apply ‘general’ skills in philosophy to material that was not covered in courses they have taken.
This paper is based on the topics covered in Topics I and Topics II in the previous JF year.
There are eight sections on this paper and students must answer two questions.
Note: this exam is taken only by Single Honors Philosophy students.
This paper is based on a chosen special topic.
This is a non-course-based exam. Students choose to focus on a topic not covered in course work and, in consultation with a member of staff devise a plan of study for the exam. As in Paper 2, the purpose of this exam is for students to apply ‘general’ skills in philosophy to material that was not covered in courses they have taken.
Single Honors Philosophy candidates must sit all four exam papers.
Joint Honors and Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology (PPES) candidates sit some combination of Papers 1, 2, and 3 depending on which pathway they are taking
Students who wish to enter these examinations should contact Prof. James Levine as early as possible in their second year who will assist them in applying and in their preparations.